Interview With Laura Wright LaRoche

Hello and welcome to The Authors Spotlight.  This is where you will have the opportunity to meet new authors and perhaps even read things about your favorite author you never knew.  Please refrain from stalking.  Thank you. 

I remember the rush I felt when I did my very first interview.  It is my goal to not only be successful
myself but to help great authors and writers alike, to aspire towards fullfilling their own dreams. 

Do you ever wonder who is on the other side of the computer or in our case, on the other side of the book? 

Who is that author? 

What makes them tick? 

What do they do besides spend a listless day clicking away on their keyboards? 


Please join me in finding out, through a journey of questions that takes us into the life and mind of my personal and very dear friend, Cover Designer, Confidant and Published Author, Laura Wright-LaRoche. (I'm clapping internally-my internal organs are a symphony of applause and standing ovations) 

I know the suspense is killing you, but hey, its what I do.  Before I release Laura's delictable, fantistic interview, I'd just like to say a few things about her.  She's one of the most intriguing, insightful, laid back, fun loving, will make you laugh non-stop, genuine in her worth, women. She's witty, artistic and her talents and abilities never cease to amaze me.  She's strong and puts others first, especially her son. 

So, without further delay...... Please Welcome Laura Wright-LaRoche.  (I can hear the
mental applause now!)

Getting To Know The Author

　

Laura, how long have you been writing?

I started writing at the age of 10. I loved to draw pictures (and still do) then make stories to match my art.

Have you always wanted to write?

Yes, but it was only a hobby, until a few years ago.

What genre really inspires you?

There's so many, it's hard to say just one. But if I had to pick, I would say suspense.

Do you remember some of the authors/book titles you read as a child?

Oh, yes! Story time was a big deal around our house. I was the youngest of six, so we read several books each night. My all time favorite was “Miss Suzy” by Miriam Young.

Does anyone in your life encourage you to write your heart out?

I have a large supporting family. Everyone encourages me, and I am thankful for their support.

What advice would you have for a newbie writer that wants to break into the world of fiction/non-fiction?

Stay true to yourself and write about what you are interested in. Don't let anything, or anyone, influence you to write something you're not comfortable with.

To date, what is YOUR favorite story that you have written?

That would be “Black Woods!” This story centers around me and my sisters love for mushroom hunting.

Who/what gets your creative blood pumping?

The main person who inspires me to write is my son, Andrew. He has a learning disability, and I wanted him to see he can be anything his heart desires in spite of the disability.

The Lighter Side Of Writing

If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?

Well, if it was springtime I would be mushroom hunting! That is my obsession, (giggle). Any other time I would be taking pictures, and enjoying the outdoors.

Do you have pets, and if so, what kind?

Yes. A cat named Stripes.

What do you do for fun (I.e. Hobbies, leisure time, etc.)

I already told you I love mushroom hunting and taking pictures, so that would leave my other hobbies. I carve rocks, making them into animals, jewelry, and nick-knacks. In the summer, I love fishing and boating. I also crochet cute little animals, “critters” as my great-nieces call them, but the true name is amigurumi. I also draw and paint, and my favorite medium is watercolors. Bowling is another activity I enjoy, and have bowled on a league for over 20 years.

Growing up, what did you always aspire to be?

An artist, but as I aged I realized I did more writing than drawing. Before I knew it I was a writer.

If you had one wish, what would you wish for?

As a writer, most people will probably think I wish to be a best seller. (Don't get me wrong, a best seller would be great!) But as a mom, my one and only wish is for my son to prosper with a productive life. :)

If someone were to begin to dictate your writing, how would you feel about that?

I don't believe I would allow anyone to tell me what I can, or can not write. After all it is my writing, not theirs.

If you were told you could no longer write about the things that moved you, would you be able to adapt and move onto a different genre or would this force your hand to stop writing?

Geez that's a hard question! I'm not sure what I would do, being I write in different genres now. I would definitely be brokenhearted! I guess I could only answer this question if it ever really happened.

How do you handle adversity when it comes to your writing?

Well, if you mean as in a bad review, or someone telling me they didn't like it. I only smile and say, “At least they read it.”

How important are reviews to you, as a writer?

Everyone wants good reviews! But are they important to me as a writer? I would have to say, yes, but their not my top priority. I believe there is a difference between, mature and immature reviews. As a writer I never let the immature reviews bother me, and I learn from the mature ones. I write because I want to, not because I need to. I share my work with the world in hopes someone will find a connection with my writing. Not everyone will, and I understand, but if my writing touches just one person, then I reached true satisfaction as a writer.

Have you ever written a bad review for anyone else? If so, why?

No! And I never will! It is not my place to destroy someone's work. They worked hard on their writing, and were proud enough to display it for others. Just because I might not like something doesn't mean someone else won't.

If, as a child, I would have been asked to write a review on a school text book, it would have been harsh, and unfair. But we all know they are needed, and full of knowledge!



Therefore I believe all writing has a place, I just don't always have to voice my opinion.

How important is editing to you? Do you ever edit your book before it goes to the editor?

Yes, I edit before I send to the editor.

I have to say, I didn't realize how important editing was until I released my first book. It is currently out there “as is,” but it is now with an editor. Editing is extremely important! This I have learned through the process of writing, and self-publishing.

What about book covers inspires you? How do you go about selecting yours?

Since I design book covers, this part is easier for me. I am a photographer, and I'm always keeping an eye out for something that might look good on a cover. Making a cover inspires me, whether it's my own, or for someone else. As a writer, I know the love an author puts into their workmanship, and I put the same love into the covers I design. I select my own covers for many different reasons. The photo on “Black Woods” was actually taken by my son for a 4-H project. I used this photo because he inspired me to write the book.

How do you write? Are you able to listen to music to inspire you or does it have to be quiet?

I usually write with some kind of noise in the background. I find the “distraction” makes me focus on my work.

Where do you choose to write? Do you have an office or do you surround yourself in places that pertain to your writing?

I found life can suddenly get in the way, so I write whenever, and wherever I can. But my favorite writing spot is outside with a blanket on the ground, watching the children play.

If you were asked to appear on a talk show of your choice, which one would it be and why?

Ellen DeGeneres Show. She is so funny! I love how she treats her guest with care, and kindness.

Lets Talk Books

Tell me about the first book that you wrote. What inspired you to write it? Can you give me a brief overview for the plot and characters?

I wrote many books as a child, but never finished them. They are stored away with my childhood mementos. My first finished book was “Black Woods.” My passion for mushroom hunting inspired me to write this book. “Black Woods” is a suspense based on our local forest. There is an area in the forest me and my sister are scared to hunt, we call it death valley. For years I have toyed with the idea to write about this place, until eventually I did.

Black Woods by Laura Wright LaRoche http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007AW2BL2/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_g77Spb132W6C9

The synopsis is:

Avid mushroom hunters and volunteers with the local Search and Rescue Department, Laura and Julie, who are in their sixties, remember that first encounter in the woods years ago.

Four young men, who are fun by nature, travel to the woods with high hopes of a hunt they won't forget.

A call to the Search and Rescue Department will bring them shockingly together in the... Black Woods.

Parental Advisory — Explicit Language


What can you tell me about any new materials or books that you have recently published? When did you publish, how did you publish them, why did you choose to publish them the way that you did and what is the title to the book and plot summary?

My newest work is a children's book titled, “Two Sisters: prattle tales of playful girls.” It is based on two of my great-nieces, Addy and Izzy. I have witness many funny events throughout their lives. They use their knowledge in various ways to get, or do, what they want.

Two Sisters: prattle tales of playful girls by Laura Wright LaRoche http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TRDNME/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_s97Spb05F1KQW

The synopsis is:

Ten hilarious stories about two mischievous girls.
Come explore with Addy and Izzy.
Each adventure tells the playful personalities of the....
Two Sisters.


A humorous children's picture book collection.

I published it April 12, 2012. It is self-published, and currently available on Amazon.


Do you have a new book that you are working on now that you’d care to talk about? If so, what is the title and a brief summary of the plot and characters, please.



I'm working on a paranormal novel called “Broken Soul.” It's almost complete, and hopefully it will be published this summer.

The main characters name is, Aca Wayne Duran III. He is an older gentleman, recently widowed. He sells his larger house, and moves into a small log cabin. Shortly after moving in, he notices something different about the place. Soon visions are appearing before him throughout the house. Through these visions he learns the house has a soul, and from years of pain, it is now a “Broken Soul.”

Do you typically self-publish or do you use a publisher? Which would you recommend, based on your experiences in publishing, to someone who was new and needed guidance in a general direction?



I self-publish. I found self-publishing to be rewarding. Traditional publishing can be a long process, and may not end in your favor. If you want to get your work out quickly to the public, self-publishing is the way to go.

What do you see for your future as a writer, and published author as far as your books go? Will you continue on this same path or do you feel as though you will branch out into other areas of writing?

I hope to write until my age, or death stops me. I know I will write in the genres of suspense, children's, and paranormal. Anything outside of these genres is a possibility.

As a successfully published author, how do you help other authors in promoting their books?

I have found Twitter, and Facebook to be effective tools. I can help by retweeting, or posting their work, and promos. I also download, and read their books when possible.

BOOK REVIEWS

Two Sisters review:

 

Two Sisters: prattle tales of playful girls by Laura Wright LaRoche http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TRDNME/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_s97Spb05F1KQW

What a delightful book! Anyone who grew up with brothers or sisters (in my case THREE sisters) will be visited by fond memories of their own childhood while reading these stories. Addy and Izzy each have a fair amount of mischief in them, and it's truly hilarious when they manage to outsmart themselves! Ms. LaRoche writes with an easy pen; the stories each flow well and are very enjoyable. I felt the amount of detail in each story was just right - concise and to the point without extra "filler". I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it for everyone that enjoys relaxing with a fun story!

Black Woods Review:

Black Woods by Laura Wright LaRoche http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007AW2BL2/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_g77Spb132W6C9

I was surprisingly pleased with the story. The heroine (and her side-kick sister) are in their sixties, something I found refreshing. The story centers around her and her family, their love of mushroom hunting, and a mysterious being in a section of the woods they hunt. Their fear of the creature is put to the test when four hunters go into the black woods and can't all make it out. It is a quick and easy read, but what I loved the most is that, every now and again, the author used a turn of phrase that made me laugh out loud. For instance, when a carload of young men are teasing each other, she says, "laughter filled the car like poisonous gas." It was a fun read.

Location, Location, Location:

Finally, can you please tell readers what available titles you have published?

Where can readers find these publications?

Do you have any free books available?

Where can people find you on a social level? Do you have an available Facebook

page, Twitter or other social media that you use?

“Black Woods” is available through Amazon.

“Two Sisters: prattle tales of playful girls” is available through Amazon.

Both books are available in print or ebook.

My website is LLPix.com and all my information is on this site.

I also can be connected with Facebook or Facebook Author Page, and Twitter.

My author page and blog is on goodreads, and I would like to say I'm a daily blogger, but I'm not always good about updating.

“In a world of words, anything is possible.” --Laura Wright LaRoche

To The Author

Thank you Laura, so much for taking the time to answer my questions today. Being a writer and the feel of freedom that comes with that is such an incredible sensation but to be published and to have your work available for others to enjoy is purely satisfactory. I appreciate you taking the time to branch out with both myself and the readers and giving us insight into your thinking process, available works and life in general. I know that we will all see great things from you in the future as I have seen news worthy, review worthy and captivating brilliance from you in the present. Thank you again, I wish you the best in all of your future publications and endeavors.